Manitoba Child Benefit 2025: Guide to Eligibility and Payment Dates

The Manitoba Child Benefit (MCB) provides annual benefits to lower-income Manitoba families to help they offset the costs of raising children under 18, such as food, clothing, and school supplies.

This provincial program complements the federal Canada Child Benefit by offering tax-free monthly payments to eligible households earning $15,000 or less, with partial benefits available to families with slightly higher incomes.

Whether you’re applying for the first time or troubleshooting an existing claim, you’ll find practical information here to help your family access this valuable financial support.

What are the 2025 MCB Payment Dates?

MCB payments arrive on the last banking day of each month throughout 2025. When the last day of a month falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are processed on the preceding business day. 

The table below shows exact MCB payment dates for 2025 alongside Canada Child Benefit dates for comparison and financial planning purposes.

The way MCB and CCB payments arrive on different dates throughout the month creates two separate benefit deposits. Many families find this timing helpful because CCB arrives mid-month for immediate needs, while MCB arrives month-end for secondary expenses or savings.

While cheques remain available, direct deposit offers advantages for MCB recipients and is strongly recommended by Provincial Services.

With direct deposit, your payment is in your bank account by the last business day of the month. If you get a cheque in the mail, it usually won’t arrive until 2 to 4 days into the next month.

Who is eligible for the Manitoba Child Benefit?

You qualify for MCB if you meet all four of the following requirements:

Manitoba Residency: You must physically reside in Manitoba. Temporary absences exceeding one month can affect your eligibility.

Dependent Children: You must have one or more children under age 18 in your care. This means you have primary responsibility for the child’s day-to-day needs and upbringing.

Canada Child Benefit requirement: You must already receive Canada Child Benefit payments for your dependent children. The MCB uses your CCB eligibility and income information to determine your qualification.

Income threshold: Your family income must fall within program thresholds based on your previous year’s income. Income is automatically reassessed each year when you file your taxes.

To get the Manitoba Child Benefit (MCB), First Nations members must live off-reserve in Manitoba and meet all other program rules.

You cannot get the MCB if you live on a reserve or if you already get income assistance from the federal government or your First Nation. This is to make sure you are not receiving similar support from two different government programs at the same time.

How to Apply for the Manitoba Child Benefit

Applying for the Manitoba Child Benefit requires one application form and supporting documents. You can submit your Manitoba Child Benefit application online, by mail, or in person.

Before You Apply

You need to confirm that you meet the basic requirements as mentioned above. If you’re not receiving the CCB yet, apply for it first through the Canada Revenue Agency by calling 1-800-387-1193.

Then, take time to gather the required information before starting your application, to prevent delays and ensure faster processing of your benefits. Primary documentation includes:

• Social Insurance Number for yourself and your spouse or common-law partner (if applicable)
• Birth certificates for all dependent children under 18
• Proof of Manitoba residency (driver’s license, Manitoba Health card, utility bills, or rental agreements)
• Most recent Notice of Assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency

For families with special circumstances, additional documentation may be necessary:

• Shared custody arrangements might require court orders or custody agreements.
• Families with children with disabilities may need medical documentation to access enhanced consideration.
• Newcomers might need immigration documents proving Manitoba residency.

MCB Step-by-Step Application Process

You need to follow the four steps below to apply for the Manitoba Child Benefit:

Step 1: Get the Application Form

You can download the MCB application form available on the Provincial Services Manitoba website.

Alternatively, request a paper copy by calling 204-948-7368 in Winnipeg or toll-free 1-877-587-6224 outside Winnipeg.

Step 2: Complete the Application Form

You need to fill out all required sections of the application form accurately. Include information about all dependent children in your household, your current Manitoba address, and contact information.

Be sure to double-check that your income information matches your CCB Notice exactly, as any differences may cause verification requests and delay processing.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

You have three submission options:

By mail: Send your completed application and photocopied documents to: Provincial Services, 100-114 Garry Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4V4

By email: Scan your documents clearly, attach them, and send your completed application form to incsup@gov.mb.ca.

In person: Visit Provincial Services between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Staff can answer questions and verify you’ve included all required documents.

Step 4: Wait for Confirmation

You’ll receive a letter regarding your eligibility within 4-6 weeks. Check that your letter shows:

• Your correct mailing address or bank account information
• Correct benefit amount per child and total monthly/annual amount
• Accurate number of children included
• Proper payment method (direct deposit or cheque)
• Benefit year dates (start and end dates for your approval period)

If approved, your first payment will arrive at the end of the month following your approval

If Provincial Services needs additional information, they’ll contact you, so you have to respond promptly to avoid processing delays.

How Much Does the Manitoba Child Benefit Pay?

The Manitoba Child Benefit amount varies based on your total family income and the number of dependent children in your household.

The following table shows the maximum Manitoba Child Benefit (MCB) payments for families with up to six children. You receive these amounts if your family earns $15,000 or less per year.

Source: Manitoba Child Benefit Program Application Guidelines – gov.mb.ca

You might qualify for meaningful support that helps with monthly expenses, and the only way to know your exact amount is to submit a complete application.

When Should I Report Changes to My Manitoba Child Benefit?

You must report any changes that may affect your Manitoba Child Benefit eligibility or payment amount as soon as possible, including:

Change in marital status

Your benefit amount is based on your total family income, so your relationship status is very important. You should report these changes within one month:

• Getting married or Becoming Common-Law: means combining your income with your partner’s income. This potentially reduces the benefits you receive if the combined income is higher.
• Separating or Divorcing: if you and your partner separate, your benefit will be based only on your own income. This could increase your payment, especially if your former partner had a higher income.

Change in custody or household composition

You need to report immediately if a child for whom you receive MCB leaves your household, such as moving in with the other parent, going to live with relatives, or turning 18.

Similarly, if a child moves into your care, report this to start receiving benefits for them.

Change of address

To prevent your payments from being lost or delayed, it’s crucial to update your address at least three weeks before you move. This is especially critical for families receiving cheque payments rather than direct deposit.

If you move to another province, you are no longer eligible. In this case, report your move immediately to avoid having to repay benefits.

Starting or stopping Employment and Income Assistance

Your eligibility for MCB is directly affected by whether you receive Employment and Income Assistance (EIA).

• Starting EIA: If you begin receiving EIA benefits (this does not include health-only coverage), you can no longer get the MCB. You must report this change right away.
• Stopping EIA: If you stop receiving EIA, you might become eligible for the MCB. You should apply for the benefit as soon as your income assistance ends.

Manitoba Child Benefit vs Canada Child Benefit

Many families confuse the Manitoba Child Benefit with the Canada Child Benefit or wonder whether they’re the same program. They’re actually two completely separate benefits administered by different levels of government, following different rules, and paid at different times.

The following comparison table clarifies the differences between Manitoba’s provincial child benefit and Canada’s federal child benefit:

Additional Benefits for MCB Recipients

In addition to monthly MCB payments, eligible recipients may also qualify for other supports in Manitoba, which are:

• GST/HST Credit: A federal tax-free quarterly payment to help low and modest-income individuals and families offset the goods and services tax.
• Support for Children’s Vision Care: Through the Children’s Opti-Care Program, families receiving the MCB can access financial aid for their children’s eyewear. The program offers an annual amount of approximately $84 for each child to help offset the expense of prescription glasses.
• Financial Aid for Expectant Mothers: The Manitoba Prenatal Benefit is available to pregnant individuals in the province with a net family income under $32,000 per year. This benefit provides monthly financial support and begin in the second trimester and continuing until the baby is born.
• Assistance with Childcare Expenses: For families with low to moderate incomes, the provincial Child Care Subsidy can make licensed daycare more affordable. The amount of support is scaled to the family’s income and can cover either a portion or the full cost of childcare fees.
• Help with Housing Costs: Rent Assist is a broader program available to low-income Manitobans that is particularly helpful for families with children. It provides financial support to help

That said, combined provincial and federal programs help lower-income Manitoba families meet basic needs while transitioning toward self-sufficiency.

In addition to the above benefits, if you want to find out about child and family benefits in other provinces, take a look at the list below:

• Prince Edward Island Child Benefit
• New Brunswick Child Tax Benefit
• Nova Scotia Child Benefit
• British Columbia Family Benefit
• Quebec Family Allowance

The bottom line

The Manitoba Child Benefit provides essential monthly support to low-income families, delivering up to $420 annually per child to help manage rising costs. Combined with federal CCB payments and related provincial programs like Opti-Care and prenatal benefits, MCB forms part of a support system for Manitoba families needing assistance.

FAQs about the Manitoba Child Benefit